Les statistiques

Governement in contact with Luftansa Consulting for a new feasibility study, for the Bugesera Airport

The Corporate Council on Africa’s Infrastructure Working Group presented

A Conversation with H.E Professor Silas Lwakabamba, Minister of Infrastructure Republic of Rwanda

Friday, November 15, 2013 Washington, DC 20036

On November 15, 2013, CCA’s Infrastructure working group hosted H.E. Professor Silas Lwakabamba, the Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure. Professor Lwakabamba highlighted current projects in the transportation, water and sanitation, housing, and energy sectors.

During the meeting, Professor Lwakabamba reported that Rwanda has improved the ease of starting a business through the creation of the Rwandan Development Board (RDB). “Today it takes only 24 hours to open a business in Rwanda,” said Prof. Lwakabamba.

The bulk of investment needed is allocated to the transportation sector, he said. The Mombassa to Kigali ($13 Billion) and the Dar Es Salam to Kigali ($5 Billion) rail projects will facilitate the movement of goods and will significantly cut the transfer time and cost.

The feasibility study for the construction of the Bugesera international airport is being performed by Lufthansa. Rwanda is actively seeking a partner to build the airport. Kigali is also seeking investors for a mass public transportation system that will be part of the capital’s master plan.

Minister Lwakabamba also spoke about Rwanda’s need for affordable and social housing. There is an urgent need for 30,000 units just in Kigali. “We are building about 1 to 2,000 units a year” but demand far exceeds availability, he said. Rwanda hopes that housing can serve as an incentive for civil servants to stay in government as salaries are often low.

In the energy sector several feasibility studies have already been completed or are underway. Rwanda envisions constructing solar plants of 10 megawatts; a 100 megawatt geothermal plant at Karisimbi; a 50 megawatt methane gas plant and 30 hydro power plants of 150 megawatts.

The ministry of infrastructure is seeking expressions of interest for all of these plants. In addition, approximately 1,300 kilometers of transmission lines are needed for which the government is seeking FBOT (finance, build operate and transfer) partners.